The Beach of Falesá

Robert Louis Stevenson | Heritage Press | 1956 | Illustrated by Millard Sheets

A beautifully designed Heritage Press edition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Beach of Falesá, one of the author's important South Seas stories. Published in New York by The Heritage Press in 1956, this edition features an introduction by J. C. Furnas and striking illustrations by noted American artist Millard Sheets.

Originally serialized in The Illustrated London News in 1892, The Beach of Falesá was altered for its first publication. This edition presents the story as Stevenson originally wrote it, an interesting feature noted on the copyright page.

The book is particularly attractive as an example of mid-century fine press design. It is bound in patterned cloth inspired by Pacific motifs, with a contrasting dark spine and gilt lettering. Sheets’ illustrations appear throughout the text in a variety of colors and styles.

This copy retains its original Heritage Press slipcase as well as the accompanying Heritage Club Sandglass (Number IX:22), making it a pleasingly complete example.

Edition Details

• Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

• Title: The Beach of Falesá

• Publisher: The Heritage Press, New York

• Date: 1956

• Introduction: J. C. Furnas

• Illustrations: Millard Sheets

• Hardcover in decorated cloth

• Gilt-lettered spine

• Illustrated throughout

• Original slipcase

• Original Heritage Club Sandglass, Number IX:22

Condition: Very Good+ to Near Fine. The book itself is exceptionally clean and attractive, with bright patterned cloth, strong gilt spine lettering, clean pages, and vivid illustrations. The original slipcase shows some expected rubbing and edge wear from age but remains intact. The Sandglass is also very well preserved. Please see photographs for the condition of this specific copy.